Hops are the seed cones from the Humulus lupulus plant. The plant is a climbing vine belonging to the family Cannabaceae and is native to Europe, Asia, and North America. Hops are mostly grown in the United States, Germany, Great Britain, the Czech Republic, and China.

Hops are widely used to preserve beer and provide the aroma and flavor. Hops varieties include Willamette, Victoria, Pride of Ringwood, Cascade, Southern Hallertau, Millennium, Southern Saaz, and Super Pride. Hops essential oils are used in perfumes, cereals, beverages, and tobacco.

Hops contain phytoestrogens, compounds that may have hormonal effects. It is unclear how phytoestrogens may impact hormone-sensitive conditions such as breast cancer, uterine cancer, cervical cancer, prostate cancer, or endometriosis (a disorder in which uterine cells grow in other body parts).

Traditionally, hops preparations have been used for relaxation, anxiety, and sleep problems. Early studies have looked at the combined use of hops and valerian for the treatment of sleep difficulty.

There is limited human evidence supporting the use of hops as an antioxidant or deodorant. Evidence is lacking in support of hops as a treatment for menopause symptoms, asthma, joint diseases, ulcers, or metabolic syndrome.

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.

GRADE *

Limited evidence suggests that hops extract may decrease oxidative stress and markers of heart disease risk and inflammation. Further research is needed in this area before a conclusion can be made.

C

Limited evidence suggests that hops extract may improve quality of life in adults with asthma but may not affect lung function. Further research is needed in this area before a conclusion can be made.

C

Chronic venous insufficiency is a condition in which the leg veins cannot pump enough blood back to the heart. People who have this condition may develop sores on the lower limbs. Limited evidence suggests that Idrastin®, a combination product containing hops, may help treat these sores when used with conventional therapy. Further research is needed on the possible benefit of hops alone.

C

Limited evidence suggests that a combination treatment containing hops extract may help reduce odor and fight bacteria when applied to the underarms. Further research is needed on the use of hops alone.

C

Limited evidence suggests that hops extract may decrease oxidative stress and markers of heart disease risk and inflammation. Further research is needed in this area before a conclusion can be made.

C

Common menopause symptoms may include vaginal dryness, burning, itching, pain during sex, low sex drive, and reduced quality of life. When used in combination with other products, hops may help improve symptoms such as hot flashes and difficulty sleeping. However, more research is needed before a firm conclusion can be made.

C

Some evidence suggests that a combination treatment including hops may help treat metabolic syndrome. Further research is needed to determine the effects of hops alone.

C

Early research suggests that a combination treatment containing hops may help reduce symptoms of diseases such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and fibromyalgia. However, further research is needed on the use of hops alone.

C

Hops have been used as a sedative to promote relaxation and reduce anxiety. Early research suggests that combination treatments containing hops may reduce alertness and improve sleep quality. However, there is limited evidence on the use of hops alone. More information is needed before a conclusion can be made.

C

Early studies report that hops may have sleep-enhancing benefits. However, there is limited information on these effects in humans. Further research is needed in this area before a conclusion can be made.

C

* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this useB: Good scientific evidence for this useC: Unclear scientific evidence for this useD: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)

Tradition / Theory
The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.

As an antioxidant, 400 milligrams of commercial hops (Elusan®) has been taken by mouth daily for 30 days.

For heart disease risk reduction, 400 milligrams of commercial hops (Elusan®) has been taken by mouth daily for 30 days.

For sleep disorders, doses of 0.5-1 grams of dried hops extract or 0.5-1 milliliters of liquid hops extract has been taken by mouth three times daily.

For menopause symptoms, 100 or 250 micrograms of a hops extract has been taken by mouth for 8-12 weeks.

For rheumatism or joint diseases, 1,000 milligrams (500 milligrams twice daily) of rho-iso-alpha-acids (RIAA), a modified hops extract, has been taken by mouth for six weeks.

Injecting hops is likely unsafe.

Children (younger than 18 years)

There is no proven safe or effective dose for hops in children.

Safety
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Allergies

Avoid in people with known allergy or sensitivity to hops, its parts, other members of the Cannabaceae family, peanuts, chestnuts, or bananas.

There have been reports of allergic skin reactions, asthma, hay fever, and lung sensitivity to allergens with hops exposure.

Side Effects and Warnings

Hops are likely safe in recommended doses, when used with valerian to improve sleep, and when applied to the skin or vagina for up to 12 weeks to treat vaginal dryness.

Up to 400 milligrams of commercial hops (Elusan®) is possibly safe when taken by mouth daily for 30 days.

Drowsiness, sedation, reduced alertness, or slowing of the thought process may occur. Use caution if driving or operating heavy machinery. Use cautiously in people who are taking depressants, sedatives, or antipsychotics.

Hops may affect blood sugar levels. Caution is advised in people with diabetes or low blood sugar and in those taking drugs, herbs, or supplements that affect blood sugar. Blood sugar levels may need to be monitored by a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist, and medication adjustments may be necessary.

Hops may increase the risk of postmenopausal bleeding. Caution is advised in people with bleeding disorders or taking drugs that may increase the risk of bleeding. Dosing adjustments may be necessary.

Hops may interfere with the way the body processes certain agents using the liver's cytochrome P450 enzyme system. As a result, the levels of these agents may be altered in the blood and may cause altered effects or potentially serious adverse reactions. People using any medications should check the package insert and speak with a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist, about possible interactions.

There is a lack of scientific evidence on the use of hops during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Use cautiously in pregnant or breastfeeding women, as hops may have hormonal and sedative effects. Avoid using hops preparations with high alcohol content in pregnant women.

Hops may affect blood sugar levels. Caution is advised when using medications that may also affect blood sugar. People taking drugs for diabetes by mouth or insulin should be monitored closely by a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist. Medication adjustments may be necessary.

Hops may interfere with the way the body processes certain drugs using the liver's cytochrome P450 enzyme system. As a result, the levels of these drugs may be altered in the blood and may cause increased or decreased effects or potentially serious adverse reactions. Patients using any medications should check the package insert and speak with a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist, about possible interactions.

Hops may increase the amount of drowsiness caused by some drugs. Examples include benzodiazepines such as lorazepam (Ativan®) or diazepam (Valium®), barbiturates such as phenobarbital, narcotics such as codeine, some antidepressants, and alcohol. Caution is advised while driving or operating machinery.

Hops may affect blood sugar levels. Caution is advised when using herbs or supplements that may also affect blood sugar. Blood glucose levels may require monitoring, and doses may need adjustment.

Hops may interfere with the way the body processes certain herbs or supplements using the liver's cytochrome P450 enzyme system. As a result, the levels of other herbs or supplements may become too high or too low in the blood. It may also alter the effects that other herbs or supplements possibly have on the P450 system.

Hops may increase the amount of drowsiness caused by some herbs or supplements, including antidepressants.

The information in this monograph is intended for informational purposes only, and is meant to help users better understand health concerns. Information is based on review of scientific research data, historical practice patterns, and clinical experience. This information should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Users should consult with a qualified healthcare provider for specific questions regarding therapies, diagnosis and/or health conditions, prior to making therapeutic decisions.